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Katie Grant: People could die before they get free care

Four years ago it seemed that being old in Scotland would be a very pleasant episode of life. Hyped to the stars, the Community Care and Health (Scotland) Act 2002 was to herald a new age of enlightened social responsibility, with all elderly Scots entitled to free help with bathing, eating, mobility, dressing and counselling, whatever their circumstances.

“Personal and nursing care is available without charge for everyone in Scotland aged 65 and over who needs it, whether at home, in hospital or in a care home,” says the executive website still, adding: “Free nursing care is available for people of any age.”

For many elderly people, however, expectations have far exceeded reality. We learnt this week from Lewis Macdonald, the deputy health minister, that 15 out of Scotland’s 32 local authorities, the bodies in charge of implementing the act, are operating waiting lists for the provision of free personal